Learning from the Warriors from Centuries ago: A review


As it has become a new year, 2024, one major goal I have is to make more time to do activities, so I can practice them and get better. To get closer to accomplishing this goal, I thought it would be beneficial to cut down on procrastination so I can finish what I need to do quicker. With this in mind, I looked for a book that could give me words of wisdom. Right then I found a book called, Samurai Wisdom for Modern Times, an eBook which looked beneficial, interesting, and a quick read.

The book had a very nice flow which made it easy for me to follow along. It first started with introducing the Bushido Code, the “way of the warrior”, which was a set of principle’s that samurai warriors followed during feudal Japan. Then the book went into each principle more deeply, discussing how it was shown in Japanese history, and how it is important in our daily lives. Finally, at the end of each principle’s section, the author writes multiple writing exercises to develop the certain principle.

An aspect of the book that I enjoyed, was how the book included lots of quotes by historical figures of feudal Japan. The one that stuck with me the most was by a famous swordsman which was, “Do nothing which is of no use”, because it reflected my situation of procrastination. Additionally, the author gives examples of these principles being shown on and off of the battlefield. For example, in a section talking about loyalty, the book talks about how the retainers of general Toyotomi Hideyoshi were so loyal, that even after he died, they fought and protected his son with the same loyalty. By giving these kinds of examples, the author shows how important these principles were to these warriors, making it easier to picture for readers.

In conclusion, Samurai Wisdom for Modern Times teaches reader’s “the way of the warrior” and how they can work on improving each principle. I personally wished the book talked more about the historical parts of the samurai since it was already a quick read, but at the same time its main purpose is to talk about the wisdom and not the history. After reading, I don’t think this is a go-to book that you need to read in your life, but it may be beneficial to read.

-Yuto, I

Comments

  1. Lucas BraunJanuary 18, 2024 at 4:10 PM

    Very good blog Yuto, I think it is interesting that you can take advice from a book. Is the book specifically for giving advice to people similar to your situation, or is it just a general book with meaningful quotes?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yuto InoueJanuary 21, 2024 at 9:30 PM

      Hi Lucas. I think it was just a coincidence how it lined up with my situation because it happened to talk about concepts such as discipline.

      Delete
    2. BJFebruary 5, 2024 at 7:01 AM

      Thank you for clearing that up as I was also confused with your summary as well.

      Delete
  2. AnthonyFebruary 5, 2024 at 1:14 PM

    Hi Yuto, great review! I liked how you included quotes from the book. Very cool!

    ReplyDelete
  3. ElliotthegreatFebruary 26, 2024 at 12:53 PM

    Hi Yuto absolutely amazing review. Feudal Japan has always been a cool setting for me.

    ReplyDelete

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